I will try to dumb it down. The pulmonary artery sends oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart and pre-oxygenated blood from the heart to the lung. Depending on which subgroup you are in may determine which branch is gradually getting weakened and/or destroyed. Sometimes the artery itself is getting narrowed from within itself as in PAH. Sometimes the artery branches are narrowed from outside pressures. Each subgroup has its particular distinction which is why the treatments vary.
The important thing is to realize that our pulmonary artery is progressively losing its efficiency and/or getting destroyed.
September 22 (edited)
No need to apologize at all β pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be a lot to take in, and it's completely okay to need things broken down simply. That's what this space is for!
PH is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs is too high. This makes your heart work harder than it should to pump blood Show Full Answer
No need to apologize at all β pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be a lot to take in, and it's completely okay to need things broken down simply. That's what this space is for!
PH is a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries of your lungs is too high. This makes your heart work harder than it should to pump blood through those vessels.
Here's a simple breakdown of what that means for your body:
- Your lungs have blood vessels that carry blood from your heart
- In PH, those vessels become narrow or stiff
- Your heart has to push harder to get blood through
- Over time, this extra strain can make you feel tired, short of breath, or dizzy
The good news is there are treatments available, and many people manage PH well with the right care team and support.
It's also worth knowing that living with PH is a learning curve β even longtime members of myPHteam say the more they learn, the more they understand it's not their fault and that adjusting to life with PH takes time.
Never hesitate to ask questions, no matter how basic they seem. There are no silly questions here! π
September 22